#21stedchat Archive
Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
Sunday August 7, 2016
Welcome to with & I tonight we discuss communicating with students, parents & other stakeholders. PLS intro urself
Hi ! Mary- elementary principal, Santa Rosa, CA.
Hi everyone! I am Jill from NC, Director Personalized Learning and co-host.
Hello, everyone. I am Melissa from Katy TX.
Dave from MI HS Science teacher
Evening Meredith joining from stormy Florida.
All my Twitter friends need to show up to right now https://t.co/lk8cQTW4gV
Welcome to with & I tonight we discuss communicating with students, parents & other stakeholders. PLS intro urself
Hi! Adam from Va Beach, K-12 Principal
We will be using Q & A method as usual. Q1 up in a couple of moments.
Hello, I am Robin Diedrichs - 4th grade teacher in Florida.
Good to see you! Thanks for connecting.
Jeremy from CT. Parent & ParentCamp facilitator.
Hey everyone! Michael Parker West. ITF & IRT at in NC
Q1: Should teachers just communicate with Ss and Ps?
Hello everyone Tim from Omaha
A1: No- it's important to communicate w/ colleagues also.
A1. Communicating with all stakeholders as we work for the public and the communities children. https://t.co/KUlXskLvok
A1. No, if teachers want to effect change they need to talk to all stakeholders
A1) Does this mean just with them, or only teachers should be doing the communicating? https://t.co/vzdyYaZgp7
Q1: Should teachers just communicate with Ss and Ps?
A1 yes. Relationships are everything in the learning process
Ts should have communication with the community, other Ts in their bldg & beyond as well. https://t.co/ePjNosWypS
Q1: Should teachers just communicate with Ss and Ps?
A1 Julie from Chattanooga, TN. There's great value in communication with all stakeholders & potentials 2 https://t.co/GGkGMuhVpg
Q1: Should teachers just communicate with Ss and Ps?
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
Hey- , since you're starting your teaching credential & masters want to join ?
What does communicating with stakeholders look like? Who are they? What's the goal?
Question was poorly werded on mi prt. :-)
A1-I think communication w/Ss are our 1st priority but reaching out to community is positive too!
a1 teachers should want to talk to anyone who wants to know their classroom story being mindful of media policy
A1: No, we should communicate with everyone
welcome, make sure to use the hashtag so all can see your tweets
A1: As Ts, we may only explicitly comm w/ Ss and Ps, but you're always communicating with community. Folks talk about us y'all!
Hello, Meagan joining in from East TN
A1b: I love to use social media to share beyond our school community about the awesome things happening https://t.co/PGYo0IMYAK
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
Q2: Probably should have started with this question. Who should teachers communicate with? Be more specific than stakeholders
As a parent I love seeing my kids Ts out supporting the community. https://t.co/PPVIs3hCNW
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
A1) They're whom they should be communicating with the most (both ways), but it doesn't end there. https://t.co/mRp9w2OOKG
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
I think it depends on your goal who your stakeholders are.
A1 We should communicate with everyone. Who better to inform the community about the state of education, educators of course!
A2: Colleagues at the site & at other sites, admin, alumni, business owners, entrepreneurs, exchange students, etc.
You would be amazed at how much we are noticed in the community as Ts. Ps listen & talk. https://t.co/bAs8R2f9rJ
A1: As Ts, we may only explicitly comm w/ Ss and Ps, but you're always communicating with community. Folks talk about us y'all!
A2: The list of who we should communicate is long. Who shouldn't we communicate with?
A2. This graphic explains communication in detail - might want to save it for ongoing review. https://t.co/BaSgAhPu8L
A2: Parents, Students, other Teachers, Staff. I think anyone, as long as they are complaining about work constantly.
Need to communicate with Ss first. Make sure that their relationship is one of trust and transparency
A2 It is important to connect our Ss with the local community for their futures and the global community for our future.
makes sense. Curious how much this kind of thing is discussed among teachers and administrators.
A blog is a great way to share with Ps Ss and the district. Twitter too. https://t.co/OMqoujE2id
A1b: I love to use social media to share beyond our school community about the awesome things happening https://t.co/PGYo0IMYAK
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
A2. Students, Colleagues, Parents, business partners, Community Members, board members, Policy Makers
A2 I really think the answer is anyone that needs to tell their story with approval
A2. I appreciate how to graphic begins with identifying the "why"
I agree w/ answers, but not to be funny I talk to myself a lot. Always reflecting on my practice
I think it depends, I know we discussed it during our School Leadership Meetings.
A2. Don't forget grandparents who live half way across county or the world - Twitter and FB assists with those communications.
A2) Once you know the parents, connect with whom they're affiliated. (Leagues, church groups, etc.). https://t.co/Oc1PyHq2Lf
Q2: Probably should have started with this question. Who should teachers communicate with? Be more specific than stakeholders
Teachers in your district esp. Feeder schools. The community loves to hear about school events https://t.co/xxAdKYyCcw
Q2: Probably should have started with this question. Who should teachers communicate with? Be more specific than stakeholders
A2. At the central office level it is important to include all departments to help alignment.
Hello, my friends at ! I've been away from TW for 2 weeks, but I'm happy to be able to chat again!
A2 when you tell your story you are helping out your Admins when they can pint back to what is said
Also your Administrators are key to helping keep a positive school culture. https://t.co/xxAdKYyCcw
Q2: Probably should have started with this question. Who should teachers communicate with? Be more specific than stakeholders
YES... and these chats are best when they feel open to multiple stakeholders. https://t.co/vcDRVyAAap
A1b: I love to use social media to share beyond our school community about the awesome things happening https://t.co/PGYo0IMYAK
Q1: Clarification: Should teachers communicate only with their students and parents?
Q3: Are you as a teacher allowed to contact the press to promote what is going on in your classroom?
A great reminder of what answers to have prepped before taking something to admin - helps them out too! https://t.co/6KxhDQRXvh
A2. This graphic explains communication in detail - might want to save it for ongoing review. https://t.co/BaSgAhPu8L
A3: I believe we are encouraged to go through our district media person. To be honest I am unsure.
Amen. They should always come first. https://t.co/XwzJhqmAWz
Need to communicate with Ss first. Make sure that their relationship is one of trust and transparency
We were not allowed to contact press, if I recall.
A3. I would say no unless you have admins approval
A3. We need to do a better job of letting our Ts tell their own story
We parents talk! Make inroads to be part of our "group" so we're talking with you and not about you. https://t.co/wOSlZOHJPs
A1: As Ts, we may only explicitly comm w/ Ss and Ps, but you're always communicating with community. Folks talk about us y'all!
A3: has been an amazing partner in this endeavor! :)
A3: I am not sure, I bet I'd have to clear it.I know I can ask for incentives for my students. Like free meal cards!
A2. Remember to share with the preschool or daycare settings that will feed into your school - https://t.co/647L5NWWxH
A3 we are asked to give communications a heads up about it. They want to promote what we say
A3. Teachers need Admin approval and then district level on some things
A3 One district has a fantastic media person - makes sense to go through them, the other district a resounding no.
Q3a Does your district have a "PR" person to help with communications?
A3: All press (anything quoted) needs Superintendent approval.
A3. Most Districts have rules about contacting the press. Ts can post what's going on through school Twitter and FB sites.
Yes, we do. He comes to all events and takes photos, etc. I think he then works with local media. https://t.co/gd2buHcG9z
Q3a Does your district have a "PR" person to help with communications?
A3 We are allowed as long as we keep our principal in the loop.
A3: My school as a PR committee which sends media releases to the press. Ts just gave to submit info to the committee
A3a. Yes, we have a department and each of them have a speciality such as social media etc
A3a) Small district serving approx. 1,500 Ss. So, no. Too small.
A3) How about using parents as a workaround? Media are more interested to hear testimonials from others. https://t.co/tJhdUWUhJj
A3. We need to do a better job of letting our Ts tell their own story
A2This year I want to do a better job of communicating w/Ps & Ss via - Excited to implement!!!
Yes. I go through my principal first or media relations. But my science club & book don & some speakers. https://t.co/R9wW4unvu1
Q3: Are you as a teacher allowed to contact the press to promote what is going on in your classroom?
A3: When I tweet about class activities I cc our district twitter account. They usually RT and like.
A3 Our district has a really good PR person. Helped w/ a TV interview and an article for a local newspaper.
A3: My school has a PR committee which sends press releases to the media. Ts just give info to the committee.
wow, I did not realize that you were that small. That is not even the size of one of our HS. ;-)
A3 if you are doing it right, shouldn't you be sharing your class on SM?
A3. Nooo! I'm in marketing/PR , do NOT go directly to the press. Positive stories can turn bad--get media training/a pro please!
Also get media waivers signed and returned first. https://t.co/5OLkFyBwUw
A3 we are asked to give communications a heads up about it. They want to promote what we say
A3-Yes we do! She is AWESOME -
A3. When I saw the words wrote I instantly created this graphic as the powerful impact is huge https://t.co/81ByOdlcSd
Yes, social media should help get stories out. But Ts should have guidelines on what's appropriate.
Image and PR waivers are part of Ss registration process. We are told who we can't show.
Lol! We do BIG things though! :)
A3a Our district does not have a PR person
we just have to give the heads up in higher Ed
Keep in mind which "media" are most read these days. The traditional route might be an anachronism. https://t.co/LPHwHcMKA7
A3. Most Districts have rules about contacting the press. Ts can post what's going on through school Twitter and FB sites.
This is something I need to improve upon. I have not sought out testimonials from parents. https://t.co/fLsr47iioG
A3) How about using parents as a workaround? Media are more interested to hear testimonials from others. https://t.co/tJhdUWUhJj
A3. We need to do a better job of letting our Ts tell their own story
for us it covers somethings. We need specific ones if not on campus or a special event. https://t.co/wjsWJ5wGgz
Image and PR waivers are part of Ss registration process. We are told who we can't show.
That is awesome and I know you do. I just forget sometimes bc we have over 147,000.
A3: I'm the media coordinator and share as much as possible happening in our school with newspapers. Liaison with teachers
Caren from NC joining late!
Q4: Let's take in "Internally". How do you and what do you communicate to parents?
Q4: School happenings, events, cool things going on in the classroom, etc
If they love what you do, they may talk to the media themselves. The trick is building that promotional mindset.
Great idea. I do this for competitions but why not for classroom activities. https://t.co/ic05LWCAFA
This is something I need to improve upon. I have not sought out testimonials from parents. https://t.co/fLsr47iioG
A3) How about using parents as a workaround? Media are more interested to hear testimonials from others. https://t.co/tJhdUWUhJj
A3. We need to do a better job of letting our Ts tell their own story
A4. Is anyone using Remind to communicate with parents via text?
. where is the world famous tonight?
Started 10 yrs ago w/ school web site that shared 100's of photos of amazing things Ss, Ts, families, volunteers, comm. members
you fill an additional role, then?
A4: Upcoming events, LCAP, some maintenance, exciting learning that is taking place!
A4-Traditionally via letters/folder system-This year going to plunge into to allow parents a window into our class!
I thank you and all media coordinators Katy ISD is awesome at this too. https://t.co/Vhlpynu6YM
A3: I'm the media coordinator and share as much as possible happening in our school with newspapers. Liaison with teachers
A4: I use to communicate the most share info, strategies, celebrations, classwork. I also use email, newsletter, etc
I used it and love it! The parents loved it as well. People check texts before email.
We need for grownups! https://t.co/5Z1Z8luYfF
Yes, social media should help get stories out. But Ts should have guidelines on what's appropriate.
Q4a. Thanks Kishari for asking. https://t.co/xibH0ul7HZ
A4. Is anyone using Remind to communicate with parents via text?
A4. Not something I need to worry about right now
A4: Our parents respond more to Facebook posts! Our school has a page!
Greetings educators! Greg- K, MD. Joining in rather late this evening. Watching Olympics. Hope all are well.
You bet! Added all of email addresses last yr & some1 who cares enough about communication to continue https://t.co/CeHdLzLiCE
A4. Is anyone using Remind to communicate with parents via text?
I love Ps to be involved. I invite them in for events, speakers, even some labs. I announce competitions https://t.co/3ZJeznuGO5
Q4: Let's take in "Internally". How do you and what do you communicate to parents?
A4 on the higher Ed level, we only talk to parents when students visit college
Have you used it before? I am a NEWBIE! Can't wait to get my class list so I can get STARTED! Would love tips!
excited for all parties in this tweet !
Q4b: Does you SMS allow for mass emailing to parents?
I'd be curious how it goes. Our daughter's elementary school began using late last year.
A4: I plan a monthly newsletter and emails/ phone calls regularly many are Spanish speaking only parents.
Interesting how communicating has evolved from typed newsletter, electronic copies sent home, to FB/Twitter - ah yes, change!
A4: Reach out variety of ways: phone, email, website, Remind app.
A4- Daily conversation after school. School Twitter page, ClassDojo, email, good calls home.
Meredith, I think once Ts and Ps get used to getting texts, you won't be able to stop 'em. Hear great things!
Need to check out ...have used Smore to create newsletters linked to webpage and facebook
No, but I have already set up my classes for upcoming year on my website.
OMG! Yes. Can't believe I forgot to say it. Love it. Great tool. https://t.co/o7mywRVc4L
A4. Is anyone using Remind to communicate with parents via text?
A4. No, it didn't so we began using Remind - followed electronic message w/ hard copies 1st year.
welcome. What's been good with the Games?
I plan to ask Ps what type(s) of communication they prefer. I want it to happen and am willing to differentiate.
Q4c: Do you have class Twitter's or Facebook that you share with parents?
Q4b: Yes, we send mass emails & all calls that can be customized.
Thanks! Gymnastics is on now. Swimming later. Always enjoy Olympic competition.
yes they do. https://t.co/Kx0mDWqcHX
I used it and love it! The parents loved it as well. People check texts before email.
I actually had this happen once when I was in tough spot. One of the highlights of my career. https://t.co/UVLjnb2xj8
If they love what you do, they may talk to the media themselves. The trick is building that promotional mindset.
A4c: We have school & district feeds, as well as school & district FB.
A4: Some Learning Management Systems allow for T/ P communication and class boards where teachers can share class events.
A4c. I don't have a class one but my department does w/ to share the great work Ts are doing in the classroom.
Seems to me it's premature to jump to mainstream media unless you have a robust online presence. https://t.co/qA94HTssgW
Started 10 yrs ago w/ school web site that shared 100's of photos of amazing things Ss, Ts, families, volunteers, comm. members
A4. Ts posted classroom items to school's FB page. Some used DoJo and https://t.co/xi0XwBje9a to communicate. LOVE CC!
Us too - we also have a cool district blog that has different contributors each day from around the div.
Q4c: School has a facebook and Twitter page, our library has an Instagram, and I have a Twitter which I post librarish things
A4c: I used to have TW and FB for Ps, but now I use them from my PLNs.
This was a decade ago - wouldn't use it now. It all changes very quickly
that's great! Have a link? 😉
We use Canvas and it has a Ss classes, calendar of assignments, blog, discuss, even quizzes all online https://t.co/rNpBAqcQKZ
A4: Some Learning Management Systems allow for T/ P communication and class boards where teachers can share class events.
A4c. Highly reco Ts use Twitter to share "wins" across school/subj. Daily practice+ short writing commitment=positive sharing.
ooh, my girl should like that. (The one who's not at camp without technology.) Thanks!
A4c- Our school has an active Twitter page that posts highlights of happenings at the school.
Argh. ifttt is n my list. Should, but haven't figured it out yet. Busted.
Q5: Is it possible to over communicate with parents?
awesome. Thank you for that extra effort. Hope more parents like me know how much of an effort that is.
A5- Communication should be consistent and frequent, but with pertinent and authentic information focused on Ss growth.
GOOD change. And incidentally, ultimately easier and more effective for everyone. https://t.co/iosuuHAcQ8
Interesting how communicating has evolved from typed newsletter, electronic copies sent home, to FB/Twitter - ah yes, change!
A5. Our SIG required accountability w/ # & type of communication w/ families - google form used to tabulate all of it weekly.
A5. I don't think so but the P might think so
A5: Possibly! Then they quit looking! Has to be a fine balance!
A5: Definitely! Ps do not need notification of every single thing that happens at the school. That's a big turn-off.
Yes. More that 3 remind texts in a night is toooooooo much
YES. A newsletter every day is overwhelming, 1 a week with highlights perfect. I have 4 kids. https://t.co/KovPNoNz6L
Q5: Is it possible to over communicate with parents?
A5: It may be possible to unintentionally over communicate w/ Ps, but it seems any parent would be glad 2 hear about child's ed.
using Brightspace D2L as a LMS but I don't tnk my board has it set it up for parent involvement yet
A5. Is that a trick question? :) Yes, over communication is possible. Micromanaging doesn't promise more, better results.
A5: I think some parents feel overwhelmed with with too much technology communication. When they aren't tech savvy
JUST started using it. So we'll see. I loved them being on Twitter, but most weren't.
Q6: Classroom level. How do you communicate with students?
Communication needs to be consistent on student progress. Having Canvas makes it easy for Ps to keep trk https://t.co/2iu3RuGgR4
Yes. More that 3 remind texts in a night is toooooooo much
A5. I think that you can over communicate, you should have a plan for communication. Example one a week etc
No. But communication should b about the good and the bad. Also, comm. about what/why social media is used is v. imp.
It is possible to have too much communication too. Most parents don't want to hear from you unless there is an important reason
I've been in education 24 years and have never received a parental complaint of too much communication.
A5: No. But communication should b about the good and the bad. Also, comm. about what/why social media is used is v. imp.
A5: Yes, people don't want to be inundated. Concise, meaningful, & thoughtful communication is best!
A5: I like a schedule! Our HS principal calls with a recording every Sunday night like clockwork! I know to watch for it!
The most underused piece of educational technology is the telephone.
A6. My partner had "Curriculum lunches", and shared plans for future lessons. Ss collaborated, got excited for upcoming topics!
Just got on the wagon today! Too much to look at!! And I'm still on summer time!
Here are survey results where Ss indicated how they would like to be communicated with - HS/College(?) https://t.co/aCh2UmOCr8
FB needs to be frequent. Comm needs to be verbal & written Ss need to know their work is important. https://t.co/3FEpZo7LsN
Q6: Classroom level. How do you communicate with students?
A6: Verbally, written, email (4th grade & up), whole group, small group, one on one.
A6: can be effective w/ communicating w/ Ss, also face to face communication in classroom is important
how so? I'd err on the side of too much and meet some parents where they are. Nearly everyone texts.
I do lunch bunch book clubs with my kids! We read the same novel and meet once a week to discuss during lunch!
A5-Cannot imagine that Ts would ever over commun. I think most Ps are thirsty for communication especially when it is POSITIVE!
That is great, is it because you have a plan and communicate consistently?
Q6: Nice thing about is that it sends Ss an email and put assignment in their GCalendar.
A6. School was 100% , so participating part of Ss prescribed learning process. Contributing "need to knows" was powerful.
Q6: Face-to-face, email, posters on my circulation desk! I love to chit-chat with my kiddos!
Q6a: If you use do you have a separate one for parents and one students.
I think it's because it's really hard to over communicate.
This parent, anyway, has NEVER said, "Teacher X over-communicates!" We've experienced only the opposite. https://t.co/mM1AKWzePO
A5: It may be possible to unintentionally over communicate w/ Ps, but it seems any parent would be glad 2 hear about child's ed.
Yes. It is difficult for Ts sometimes an email or text is quick but a call shows you care. https://t.co/lPphmFSUDC
The most underused piece of educational technology is the telephone.
does that even happen though?
I agree. When it is big, f2f, medium is a phone call, small is email.
We are 10 minutes away from the start of tonight
Join us
Calls also prevent misreading tone. https://t.co/GpgjrDSCGl
Yes. It is difficult for Ts sometimes an email or text is quick but a call shows you care. https://t.co/lPphmFSUDC
The most underused piece of educational technology is the telephone.
remind 101 is a good way to communicate with P and SS
Q7: As you exit ticket summarize your thoughts on communication.
Absolutely if it informative and meaningful information. https://t.co/iSbyKAYPza
I think it's because it's really hard to over communicate.
A7: Communication is crucial in today's world!
A7: Communication is necessary. When done well, it adds to a successful school climate.
Looked on their website - not so easy to use in locating - might be 2012
A6: If anything, parents of HS students often complain there isn't enough communication, and they feel left out of the loop
A7- Communication is critical for Ss success. Comm. w/ Ps, Ss, fellow Ts, and As. All voices at the table for Ss growth.
I have one separate for Ps and Ss. So parents do not see the little classroom chats. https://t.co/2JuyxHFwem
Q6a: If you use do you have a separate one for parents and one students.
A5) Only about problems with our kid. Because it's usually a classroom issue first. Otherwise, we <3 it. https://t.co/Q46NHxASsZ
Q5: Is it possible to over communicate with parents?
Yes. Clear. Concise. Meaningful.
I cant tell you how many times I misread a parent email. Tone gets confusing in writing. https://t.co/QXs7glbLcb
Calls also prevent misreading tone. https://t.co/GpgjrDSCGl
Yes. It is difficult for Ts sometimes an email or text is quick but a call shows you care. https://t.co/lPphmFSUDC
The most underused piece of educational technology is the telephone.
A7: Communication is key because we don't want things getting "lost in translation."
We still have a few minutes but this chat has been really great tonight. Jill's topic will tweet out soon for next week.
would be interesting to see how this changes over time. Thank fou sharing
Shout from the rooftops. Our kids' teachers who have used it transformed communications. Others haven't. https://t.co/DwPov8GmIh
A4c. Highly reco Ts use Twitter to share "wins" across school/subj. Daily practice+ short writing commitment=positive sharing.
Join next week (Sunday at 8:00 PM EST) as we discuss the topic: Back to School with and I.
= best chat! Have a great week everyone!
So true. And phone calls often neutralize angry folks with cyber muscle.
by online I mean whatever's current. Social media platforms, apps, etc. And simple texts aren't going away yet!
A7: W/ many forms of social media Ts need 2 ensure they dont dedicate entire evenings posting class events
It is crucial that we bring Ps, Ss, community & our schools together as a partner in educating children! https://t.co/O05iwMH6Oc
Communication is what makes us human. Ss, Ps, & Ts need to keep the dialogue flowing. https://t.co/eXyz1O7enN
Q7: As you exit ticket summarize your thoughts on communication.
I love librarish things. I'm married to someone who does librarish things all day. 😉
thank you to everyone for an informative and insightful chat. I hope to chat again soon.
